Lighting

It is best for the environment to use economic light bulbs because even though they are considerably more expensive they only use 15-20% of the energy than that of ordinary bulbs and they last up to 10 times longer. If all light bulbs in Icelandic homes were economic light bulbs, we would save energy equivalent to one 20MW hydroelectric dam or geothermal energy plant.

Candlelight creates a warm and romanticlighting that is very appropriate in the bedroom. Special caution however has to be shown when using candles as they often can cause fire.

The homemade candle factory at Sólheimar in Grímsnes produces candles from recycled wax and Sorpa accepts waste wax at its recycling stations. About 60 tonnes are collected per year and used again for creating jobs for 8-10 handicapped individuals and for the enjoyment of those who buy the beautiful Sólheimar candles. Candles, scents, and incense can bring a fresh or foreign hue to our environment.

However they can be a quite polluting and should be used sparingly. In order to burn the wax, oxygen is needed, and fire creates carbon dioxide and soot particles from the wax and the candle.